In the April 2004 Newsletter:
Are you singing in the fourth-fold? / 4th Practice of Prosperity
Practical Pointer / Promote Your Passion / Upcoming Events

What Makes Your Heart Sing?

Finding passionate purpose, which is the next phase of the “Pursuit of Passionate Purpose” process, is all about matching your values and gifts — and those of your co-workers — with the needs of the world. This intersection, which I call the fourth-fold, is where our heart, as well as our head and hands, shout out in ecstasy, “Yes, this is a life worth living!”

When organizations align their employees’ passions with the firm’s purpose, outstanding results are produced. This is where you find peak performance, productivity, profits, and fun. You might ask, “Is this possible?”

Consider Ball Aerospace & Technology Corp. With impressive profitability and stock appreciation even during the hardest times over the last few years, it operates in the fourth-fold. Don Vanlandingham, retired CEO and Chairman, explains,

“Ball Aerospace combines exciting, meaningful work with people’s passions. Our unique culture revolves around the people, outstanding and very smart people who do things that never have been done before. A lot of our people would work if you didn’t pay them — they love what they’re doing. People appreciate our values of integrity and professional freedom. Being totally successful is the standard.”

Read more about Don’s story in the book Pursuit of Passionate Purpose. Pre-publication orders are being taken now at www.tmsworld.com.

4th Practice of Prosperity

That is why the 4th Practice of Prosperity states: “Find passion, align it with a worthwhile purpose, and keep it burning.”

As you may know, this newsletter is highlighting, in monthly installments, each of the “12 Practices of Prosperity” described in my presentations, consulting, and book. Prosperity means all that you want in work and life — the real rewards of meaning, satisfaction, results, financial gain, and more.

The first three practices focused on “Know and Nurturing Yourself – the Person” — the first phase in the Pursuit of Passionate Purpose. These earlier newsletters are available at www.tmsworld.com. The next three months will explore how to “Find Passionate Purpose.”

Practical Pointer

The real question is, “What can you do to operate in the fourth-fold?” Try this:

• Personal Pointer – Prepare by continuing to explore, learn, and grow. Passionate purpose comes when preparation meets possibilities. Readjust your attitude and realize that passion can be developed. Trust that when the time is right, you will know. Open to serendipity and let purpose find you.
• Organizational Pointer – Do what many of my clients ask me to do — use the annual strategic planning process as a means to clarify the overall purpose. Then provide opportunities for teams and members to define their own fourth-fold within that realm. By choosing their goals and how to align their passions with it the foundation is poured for extraordinary results.

Promote Your Passion

Here’s a path to produce some prosperity. Get your product, service, or concept recognized as a top innovation in the Boulder County corridor. The Boulder County Business Report is looking for a few novel innovations to honor as part of the 2004 IQ (Innovation Quotient) Awards on the evening of July 22nd. As one of the judges, I know they also recognize non-profit organizations that are making a creative difference. Visit www.IQAwards.com and submit by May 7th.

Join Theresa at these Upcoming Events:

Friday, May 7, 2004. “Project Management Drives Corporate Success” — a symposium featuring a 3-hour “Pursuit of Passionate Purpose” workshop and 1-hour “Becoming a Champion of Change” presentation by Theresa Szczurek at the Denver Marriott City Center. 15 high-profile presenters, 5 powerhouse workshops, exhibits, door prizes, 8 PDUs, networking, and more. Go to www.pmimilehi.org to learn more and register.

Friday, May 7, 2004. IQ Award nomination deadline. Visit www.IQAwards.com for details.

Wednesday May 12, 2004. “CTEK Annual Spring Awards” — a breakfast and one of the best networking events of the year. Join 500 professionals at the Longmont Raintree Plaza. Go to www.ctek.biz to register. Email tms@tmsworld.com that you are coming so you will be seated at the “Friends of Theresa” table

Don’t just wish for a prosperous 2004. TAKE ACTION! Align your passions, and those of your co-workers, with a worthwhile purpose. Let me help you do this.

With a singing heart,
Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Technology and Management Solutions
“the catalyst for your extraordinary results”

P.S. Pass it on. Feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues.